Columbus Police Department continues to strengthen its staff

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- During Tuesday’s City Council meeting, four new police officers were sworn in, and two more were hired.

This puts the department at just almost full staff with 69 police officers.

The department can have up to 70.

Chief Fred Shelton said that last spot they’re trying to fill is for an assistant police chief.

“It took us awhile to get here,” said Chief Shelton. “At one point we were 40 officers down, now that we’re back up where we need to be, I feel good about it, the community feels good about it. We’re going to provide the city of Columbus with an effective, efficient and proactive policing.”

Shelton said he plans to be fully staffed by the end of the summer